Office of Student Engagement

The Office of Student Engagement at South Dakota Mines connects students with meaningful opportunities to get involved, lead, and grow beyond the classroom. From student organizations and campus events to leadership programs and service initiatives, we help students build community and make the most of their college experience.

Cory L. Headley

Senior Director, Student Engagement

Phone: (605) 394-2336
Cory.Headley@sdsmt.edu

Hometown: Douglas, Wyoming

Education: Chadron State College, B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies
University of Utah, M.Ed. Educational Leadership and Policy

Duties:

Management of the Office of Student Engagement
New Student Orientation
Surbeck Center Operations
Student Organization Support and Management
Leadership Development and Training

Interests/Hobbies: Outside of work Cory enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, attending live concerts, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Favorite Spot on Campus: I absolutely love our newly expanded Surbeck Center. I love seeing our students hanging out, studying, and building community in this incredible space.

Chris Pappas

Associate Director, Student Engagement

Phone: (605) 219-8215
Christopher.Pappas@sdsmt.edu

Hometown: San Diego, California

Education: San Diego State University, B.A. in English
San Diego State University, M.A in Literature
San José State University, Master of Library & Information Science

Duties:

Multicultural Affairs
Tiospaye Program Management
Management-Surbeck Front Desk and Mail Room
General Student Engagement Programming

Interests/Hobbies: Hiking with dogs, homebrewing, chess, mixed martial arts, disc golf, reading, and road trips

Favorite Spot on Campus: King Center Gym

Sam Harkin

Assistant Director, Student Engagement

Phone: (605) 219-8216
Samantha.Harkin@sdsmt.edu

Hometown: Sturgis, South Dakota

Education: Penn State University, B.S. in Psychology

Duties:

Fraternity and Sorority Life
Rocker Days Programming
Civic Engagement Programming
General Student Engagement Programming

Interests/Hobbies: Weather buff, reading, frequenting coffee shops, being a mama to three little ones, engaging in civil discourse, crafting/ DIYs, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Favorite Spot on Campus: Under the big trees on the lawn in front of the Surbeck Center!

Grisel Aguiniga Fox

Assistant Director, Student Engagement

Phone: (605) 394-5127
Grisel.Aguiniga@sdsmt.edu

Hometown: Atwater, California

Education: California State University- Sacramento, B.S. in Psychology

Duties:

WiSE Programs and Center
Community Service and Outreach Programming
Student Organization support and training
General Student Engagement Programming

Interests/Hobbies: Loves a good craft, particularly crocheting, knitting, cross-stitching, and so many other creative projects. She enjoys spending time in the Black Hills hiking or going paddleboarding with her dog and family. She also loves to read, especially the WiSE Book Club picks. Needless to say, her TBR list is very long!

Favorite Spot on Campus: The cool chairs by the Learning Stairs in Surbeck looking out the big windows.

Student Association Senate Staff

Student Association President
Sa.president@mines.sdsmt.edu

Student Association Vice President
Sa.vicepresident@mines.sdsmt.edu

Student Association Constitution Chair
Sa.constitution@mines.sdsmt.edu

Student Association Chief Financial Officer
Sa.finance@mines.edu